Types

of evolution sort!
Read the following case studies*. Use your notes and your partner to decide what type of
evolution is illustrated in each of the case studies. Put your answers, reasoning, and
evidence below your guided notes for today (should be RIGHT side of INB).

*Some of these examples are fictitious

1. Darwin noted that the Patagonian hare was similar in appearance and had a niche similar to the European hare.
However, the Patagonian hare is not a rabbit. It is a rodent related to the guinea pig. This example illustrates which
type of evolution? WHY? (explain in complete sentences; cite evidence!)

2. On the planet of Pandora, the flying dragon-like creatures called Yoshis have long tails that help them navigate
while flying. Prehistoric fossils show that millions of years ago another type of animal, the Yodafly, had a similar
long tail characteristic of the Yoshis. This example illustrates which type of evolution? WHY? (explain in complete
sentences; cite evidence!)

3. In the Dangerous Desert two plants species, species A and species B, had similar leaf structure in 1980. They both
had long leaves with swirling patterns on them. A huge natural disaster hit and separated species A and B, but years
later scientists found that both species still had developed a similar leaf structure (although A had slightly shorter
leaves and B had fuzzier leaves). This example illustrates which type of evolution? (explain in complete sentences;
cite evidence!)

4. Mantellas (a type of frog) and poison-dart frogs have identical toxins in their skins. Mantellas live in Madagascar,
while poison dart frogs live n South America. The toxins in their skins is also similar to the toxins that ants have.
From this information, which type of evolution is this? (explain in complete sentences; cite evidence!)

5.

As you can see in the image above, the human eye and octopus eye are quite similar. Both have lenses to refract
light, a pupil to restrict incoming light, and a well-differentiated optic nerve. Of course there are some notable
differences as well. Based on this information and your own knowledge of humans and octopi, what type of
evolution is illustrated here? (explain in complete sentences; cite evidence!)